Kazakhstan, Top Uranium Producer, Votes on First Nuclear Plant Since 1999 Amid Russia-China Reliance Concerns

Oct 6, 2024, 03:15 AM

On October 6, 2024, Kazakhstan held a referendum to decide whether to build its first nuclear power plant since 1999, as the Central Asian nation seeks to boost its power generation capacity and phase out coal plants. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's government is promoting the proposal. Kazakhstan, the world's top uranium producer, currently has no nuclear power plant of its own. The plan has raised concerns over environmental risks and potential reliance on Russia and China for technology, with Russian and Chinese companies among the potential builders. The legacy of Soviet nuclear weapons testing in Kazakhstan also weighs heavily on public opinion. The results of the referendum, expected to be announced on October 7, are anticipated to be in favor.